For a few seconds, no one said anything.
Luis's promise had not been a light one.
However, Henrique could see the sincerity in the boy's eyes. Of course, he had no idea what kind of agreement his daughter had just made with Luis. If he did… his reaction would likely be very different from what he was showing now.
— I hope so — he said at last. — Because I don't usually give second chances when it comes to my family.
He did not intend to sound threatening. His tone was that of a father concerned about his daughter. At the same time, it was both a request… and a warning.
Luis held his gaze without flinching.
— Neither do I. — Luis continued. — I hope you can offer me active support, now that our interests have proven to be closer than we imagined.
A brief silence formed between them.
And in that moment, it became clear to Augusto:
His son had truly become a man. He no longer needed to worry about him—even when his parents were no longer around.
Henrique noticed something similar.
The person in front of him was no longer a boy. The conversation had become an understanding between two men who knew exactly what they were doing.
Henrique then let out a breath and, as if deciding to end that heavier moment, returned to his usual demeanor.
— Very well! — he said, lightly clapping his hands. — Your father and I have already dealt with the boring matters!
Luis looked at Augusto, who gave a small nod.
— In that case, I see no reason to prolong this meeting. Sofia and I have already spoken at length, and we are satisfied with each other's company. Therefore, I suggest we conclude this meeting.
Sofia spoke as well:
— I agree. I'm quite tired from the journey. I would really like to rest.
Henrique looked around and said:
— Fair enough. Frankly, I'm tired from the trip as well.
Sofia rolled her eyes slightly.
— You always say that after every meeting.
— Because meetings are exhausting — he replied, without the slightest embarrassment.
Augusto let out a light chuckle.
— In that case, we won't keep you any longer.
Henrique nodded.
But before leaving, he turned his attention to Luis once more.
— In the next few days, I'll send some trusted people to Rio.
— We'll begin organizing things.
Luis allowed a small smile.
— Alright, but I think it would be better if they spoke with my grandfather.
Henrique nodded, satisfied.
— Excellent.
He then gestured to Sofia.
— Let's go.
Sofia moved, but before leaving, she looked at Luis one more time.
This time, there was no embarrassment.
— See you soon — she said.
— See you soon — Luis replied.
.
Then Luis and Augusto departed.
The hollow sound of footsteps against the stone tiles leading to the gate marked the end of the meeting.
When the gate finally closed…
silence took over the place.
Augusto was the first to speak, a smile on his face.
— That went much better than I expected.
Luis kept looking toward the gate for a few seconds before answering.
— Yes. We were lucky… it turns out Henrique was looking for the same thing we were.
Augusto crossed his arms.
— Yes.
A pause.
— And you?
Luis let out a small sigh.
— Me too. I'm satisfied… Sofia and I talked. I explained Teresa's situation to her… she agreed without much trouble.
Augusto showed a hint of surprise but chose not to interfere.
That was something only Luis could resolve. And since he said she had agreed, there was no reason to dwell on unnecessary details.
There was nothing more to say.
A few minutes later, they returned to Eduardo's house.
What followed was a summary of the meeting… and after learning that everything had gone well, Eduardo also let out a sigh of relief.
His gaze first passed over Augusto…
Then over Luis.
Eduardo closed his eyes briefly.
— You're returning today, correct?
— Yes.
— Good.
He then focused his attention on Luis.
Unlike usual.
— Come here.
Luis stepped forward.
Eduardo placed a hand on his shoulder and said:
— You did well.
Simple. Direct. No exaggeration.
But coming from him… it was high praise.
Luis did not respond immediately.
— It's not over yet — he said at last.
Eduardo gave a faint smile.
— Let me teach you something about politics, boy… problems never end. But that's what separates a winner from a loser. You started very well. Soon, our moves will begin to spread, and you will start being taken more seriously by others. That means two things: first, you will be respected; and second, people will slowly stop underestimating you. That can be both good and bad.
Luis nodded, showing he understood.
.
Augusto then said:
— I'll speak with Helena…
Eduardo nodded.
— I'll try to sort things out with her before you all leave.
His voice was lower now, carrying a hint of guilt.
— I've already lost too much time.
The silence that followed was different.
.
Eduardo then gave Luis a light pat on the shoulder and stepped back.
— Go.
— There is still much to be done.
Luis nodded.
Soon, he entered a carriage beside his father.
The horses began to move shortly after.
As the estate faded into the distance…
silence returned.
.
This trip had been full of twists, with many people and interests involved.
To outsiders, it might not seem like they had lost much—but Augusto's farm alone was worth an absurd amount for the time.
Not to mention the exile that would come afterward.
The truth was that Eduardo was right.
The problems would not end…
they would only continue to grow.
Augusto looked out the window.
Luis did the same.
Each lost in his own thoughts.
After a few minutes, Augusto spoke:
— It seems you got along well with her.
Luis did not look at him.
— She's not difficult to deal with… but she's not simple either.
Augusto nodded.
— That can be a good thing.
Luis agreed slightly.
The sound of the carriage wheels against the ground filled the silence between their words.
— And Teresa? — Augusto asked after a while.
This time… Luis remained silent for longer.
— That's the last problem…
.
Augusto looked at him with a trace of sympathy.
— A problem only you can solve. And I think you should make it your priority. Your mother may become a bigger problem than Teresa… you know how much she has spoiled that girl over the years.
Luis immediately showed a pained expression.
His father was right.
He couldn't even imagine how his mother would react.
.
The road ahead was long.
And for the first time since the beginning of all this…
Luis was not thinking about politics.
But about the conversation he would have to face.
And he knew…
it would not be any less complicated.
The carriage moved steadily along the road, slowly leaving the city behind.
And in the distance…
the sun began to sink below the horizon.
Marking the end of one meeting.
And the beginning…
of something far more complicated.